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Pura Vita
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Pura Vita
8.4
Pura Vita is a plant-based Italian restaurant offering pastas, pizzas, and comfort dishes that appeal to both vegans and non-vegans. The space is energetic and intimate with a strong wine program. It has a large and loyal customer base driven by creative plant-forward interpretations of Italian classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Pura, Cacio e pepe, Truffle pizza
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Plant-based Italian cooking executed with surprising depth and richness.
Who should go: Plant-focused diners and Italian comfort seekers.
When to visit: Evenings for full dining room energy.
What to order: Lasagna Pura, cacio e pepe, truffle pizza.
Insider tip: Request bar seating if you want a quicker service pace.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Santa Monica Blvd and nearby side streets; it fills up quickly during dinner hours, so rideshare is common.
Dress code: Smart casual with a stylish lean; many guests dress well for the WeHo scene, but elevated casual is acceptable.
Noise level: Lively and energetic indoors; still conversational but expect a buzz during peak evening service.
Weekend wait: 40–70 minutes without a reservation, especially between 7–9pm.
Weekday lunch: N/A; Pura Vita focuses primarily on dinner and early evening service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is plant-based, making it fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Yes — the entire menu is 100% vegan, including pastas, pizzas, and desserts.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta and pizza crust are available; many starters are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate, stylish space and strong wine program create a warm first-date atmosphere, especially for plant-forward diners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but waits can be long on weekends; arriving before 6:30pm or choosing bar seating improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat, but the room skews adult and energetic; older kids may enjoy it, but it’s not designed with young children in mind.
Best For
Better for: Guests seeking refined plant-based Italian dishes with a vibrant, wine-forward West Hollywood atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, are sensitive to tight seating, or prefer traditional dairy-based Italian cooking.
Pura Vita
8.7
Pura Vita is a packed plant-based Italian wine bar where cacio e pepe, bucatini Calabrese, and dairy-free chocolate cake anchor a menu that rarely feels like a compromise. With over a thousand reviews and a constant wait, it’s become a destination for vegans and non-vegans who want a full-on night out built around pasta and natural-leaning wines.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe Bucatini, Pura Vita Kale Salad, Linguine Di Mare
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: One of the country’s first fully plant-based Italian restaurants, with pastas and desserts that convince even skeptics.
Who should go: Plant-curious diners who still want a buzzy wine bar feel.
When to visit: Prime-time dinner with a reservation or early walk-in at the bar.
What to order: Cacio e Pepe, Pura Vita Salad, and Linguine Di Mare.
Insider tip: Gluten-free pasta and desserts are standouts—flag restrictions early and let the server guide you.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Santa Monica Blvd is limited and fills quickly; meters run late. Residential side streets offer better luck but expect a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual—people tend to dress nicely for date nights, but elevated jeans and a good top fit in fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; bar chatter can rise but tables still allow basic conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially for outdoor tables.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the dining room can fill around 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Fully vegetarian by default, with most dishes built from plant-based ingredients.
Vegan options: Yes—Pura Vita is entirely vegan, including pastas, sauces, and desserts.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be made gluten-free with house GF pasta; staff is knowledgeable about cross-contact and can guide safe choices.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its candlelit room, wine-forward menu, and energetic but intimate atmosphere make it ideal for a first or second date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—early walk-ins or bar seating are your best bet, but expect long waits after 7pm, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids and teens who enjoy pasta will be fine, but the tight dining room and wine-bar vibe aren’t ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Plant-based diners seeking a true Italian experience—its pastas and desserts outperform most vegan competitors and rival traditional spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet room or quick meal; the space is energetic, often crowded, and service runs at a leisurely, wine-bar pace.
Pura Vita
8.8
Pura Vita is an all-vegan Italian wine bar where wood-fired pizzas, rich pastas, and antipasti are paired with a focused natural wine list. Since 2018 it’s been a go-to in West Hollywood for date nights and small groups who want indulgent Italian food without compromising on plant-based eating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Magic Lasagna, Cacio e Pepe, Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: All-vegan Italian wine bar serving rustic pastas, pizzas, and antipasti.
Who should go: Plant-based diners wanting cozy Italian comfort with serious natural wine.
When to visit: Early evening before dinner rush when bar and patio fill.
What to order: Black Magic Lasagna, Cacio e Pepe, Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu gluten-free pasta options if you’re sensitive.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Santa Monica Blvd and adjacent residential streets is available but competitive after 6pm; meter spots turn over faster. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests lean stylish but relaxed—think elevated West Hollywood dinner attire.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively bar energy during peak hours but still workable for conversation at tables.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially between 7–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Fully vegetarian by default—every dish is plant-based.
Vegan options: Yes—100% vegan menu including pastas, pizzas, and desserts.
Gluten-free options: Strong support with gluten-free pasta and pizza options; note that the kitchen is not a dedicated GF facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. Candlelit tables, natural wines, and rich comfort food make it a strong pick for a first date—romantic without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible for early dinners or late evenings, but prime hours often require a wait. The bar can sometimes seat walk-ins faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for adults or teens who enjoy Italian food; no dedicated kids’ menu and the room skews date-night oriented.
Best For
Better for: One of the best choices for upscale vegan Italian in the area, with polished pastas and a curated natural wine list that outshine many plant-based competitors.
Skip if: You want very quiet dining or need a fully gluten-free kitchen with zero cross-contact risk.
Pura Vita
8.7
Pura Vita is a 100% plant-based Italian restaurant and wine bar where much of the menu can be ordered on gluten-free pasta or crust, from rich lasagna to pizzas and antipasti. It’s a romantic but energetic West Hollywood spot that balances comfort-food cravings with a thoughtful natural wine list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Magic Lasagna (gf pasta available), Cacio e Pepe (gf pasta available), Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: All-vegan Italian with extensive gluten-free pasta and pizza options, plus natural wines.
Who should go: Gluten-free diners craving indulgent Italian without dairy or meat.
When to visit: Early evening before peak dinner rush for smoother seating.
What to order: Black Magic Lasagna on gf pasta, cacio e pepe on gf pasta, stuffed zucchini blossoms.
Insider tip: Ask specifically for gluten-free pasta or crust when you order; they handle cross-contact requests thoughtfully but it’s worth reiterating celiac needs.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Santa Monica Blvd and nearby residential streets is available but fills quickly after 6pm; meter spots turn over fastest. No valet on-site, so plan a few extra minutes for parking.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning stylish; diners often wear elevated casual outfits, though jeans with a nice top are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate, with lively conversation and music; still comfortable enough to talk across a two-top without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, depending on the hour; the bar may have quicker openings.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait; walk-ins are common and usually seated promptly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is plant-based, so all dishes are vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Yes — everything on the menu is already fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Strong selection — most pastas can be made gluten-free, many pizzas have gf crust options, and the kitchen is attentive to cross-contact concerns when requested.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm lighting, energetic but intimate atmosphere, and natural wine list make it an excellent first-date choice. It feels special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are possible, especially early evening or on weeknights, but weekends fill quickly. For peak hours, booking ahead is strongly recommended; the bar can sometimes seat walk-ins faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the space is more adult-leaning and popular for dates and groups, but well-behaved older kids or teens who enjoy pasta and pizza will be fine. No kids’ menu or specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Romantic plant-based Italian with high-level gluten-free execution and a curated natural wine list — ideal for dates, celebrations, and stylish group dinners.
Skip if: You want ultra-quiet dining, prefer classic (non-vegan) Italian dishes, or need extremely fast, casual service; Pura Vita’s ambiance leans energetic and the experience is best enjoyed at a slower pace.
Pura Vita
8.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Pura Vita is a fully plant-based Italian restaurant in West Hollywood where rich pastas, pizzas, and desserts make vegan dining feel indulgent enough for mixed-diet families. The cozy room and sidewalk seating work for multi-generational gatherings, especially when someone in the group is vegetarian, vegan, or lactose-intolerant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carbonara Pasta (vegan), Black Magic Lasagna, Baked Ricotta Crostini
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A fully vegan Italian menu where pastas and pizzas still feel decadent.
Who should go: Families with vegans, vegetarians, or dairy-free eaters.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or weekend brunch for a calmer experience.
What to order: Carbonara, Black Magic Lasagna, tiramisu-style dessert.
Insider tip: Reserve ahead for weekend evenings and ask about gluten-free pasta options.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Santa Monica Blvd can be tight after 6pm; meter spots and nearby residential streets are the best bet. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests lean polished but relaxed. Jeans and nice tops fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzy during peak hours but still manageable for conversation, especially on the patio.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger families or patio tables.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are usually seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extensive—every dish is vegetarian by default since the menu is fully plant-based.
Vegan options: Fully accommodated—100% of the menu is vegan, including desserts and cheeses.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be made gluten-free upon request; gluten-free pasta and select pizzas are available, but cross-contact is possible due to shared kitchen space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's cozy, stylish, and intimate without feeling overly formal. The plant-based menu also makes an easy talking point if you’re meeting someone who’s health-conscious or curious about vegan food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weeknights or at off-peak hours. Weekend evenings fill up quickly, so booking ahead is strongly recommended for timely seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—best for families with kids 6+ who enjoy pasta and pizza. The menu is approachable, but the dining room is relatively small and can feel tight for strollers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: Vegan Italian dishes that taste indulgently traditional—especially for mixed-diet families seeking comfort-food favorites without dairy.
Skip if: You want a sprawling patio, very quiet ambiance, or classic non-vegan Italian dishes like seafood or traditional cheeses.
Pura Vita
8.7
Pura Vita is the first 100% plant-based Italian restaurant and wine bar in the U.S., turning classics like carbonara and cacio e pepe into rich, vegan pastas that still feel indulgent. The narrow, brick-lined room and busy sidewalk patio are made for wine-fueled WeHo dates where vegans and omnivores can happily share plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked Ricotta, Carbonara, Diavolina Pizza
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A fully vegan Italian wine bar where date-night pasta still feels decadent.
Who should go: Plant-based couples and mixed-diet groups who love pasta.
When to visit: Aim for early evening reservations on weeknights or Sundays.
What to order: Baked Ricotta, Carbonara, Diavolina pizza.
Insider tip: Ask about daily specials and save room for a shared tiramisu-style dessert.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Santa Monica Blvd can be tight after 6pm; meter spots open up more on side streets. No valet. Plan a few extra minutes to circle.
Dress code: Smart casual with a WeHo edge—jeans are fine, but most tables lean semi-dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate to lively indoors; the narrow room fills quickly. Patio is slightly calmer and better for conversation.
Weekend wait: 35–55 minutes without a reservation, especially between 7–8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; you can usually be seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—every dish is vegetarian by default, since the entire menu is plant-based.
Vegan options: Yes—100% of the menu is fully vegan, including pastas, cheeses, and desserts.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be made gluten-free, including select pastas and pizzas; staff is proactive about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its cozy brick-lined room, candlelit tables, and indulgent-but-light dishes make it ideal for a relaxed, engaging first date without heavy food fatigue.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable. Walk-ins are occasionally seated early on weeknights, but weekends often require joining a waitlist. Patio tables go first—arrive before 6:30pm for a better shot.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. The room skews adult, tight, and date-oriented. Older teens who enjoy plant-based dining will be fine, but families with young kids may find it cramped.
Best For
Better for: Vegan or mixed-diet dates who want rich, well-executed Italian food without sacrificing ambiance or wine-bar energy.
Skip if: You want a quiet, spacious dining room, traditional dairy-forward Italian dishes, or large-group seating—nearby trattorias or pizzerias may be more comfortable.
Pura Vita
8.7
Pura Vita is a 100% plant-based Italian restaurant and wine bar where wood-fired pizzas share space with pastas and antipasti built from organic, vegan ingredients. It draws both vegans and omnivores for date-night lighting, a strong natural wine list, and pizzas that feel indulgent without dairy or meat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan Margherita Pizza, Carbonara-Style Pizza, Lasagna Pura
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Pioneering plant-based Italian spot where vegan pizzas feel full-on indulgent.
Who should go: Vegans and omnivores wanting serious Italian without dairy or meat.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours or weekend brunch for full room energy.
What to order: Vegan margherita, carbonara-style pizza, Lasagna Pura.
Insider tip: Book ahead for peak times; it’s a regular choice for special-occasion vegans.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Santa Monica Blvd and nearby side streets can be tight after 6pm; give yourself extra time. No valet, but meters and residential pockets are your best bets.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slightly polished edge; jeans are fine but most guests lean date-night elevated.
Noise level: Moderate; lively buzz indoors but still workable for conversation at a two-top.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak 7–8pm windows.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait; walk-ins are typically seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—everything is plant-based, so vegetarians have full menu access.
Vegan options: Yes—Pura Vita is entirely vegan, including cheeses, pastas, pizzas, and desserts.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta and pizza crusts are available; staff handles requests carefully but the kitchen is not a certified GF facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, a cozy dining room, and a strong natural wine list create an intimate, easy-flow environment. It feels elevated without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not guaranteed. Walk-ins often face waits during peak dinners; showing up early or aiming for bar seating improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids or teens who enjoy Italian fare will be fine, but the space skews adult, date-night, and wine-bar focused with limited room for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Vegan Italian that doesn’t feel like a compromise—its pizzas, pastas, and natural wines offer a more polished, date-night-ready experience than casual vegan spots.
Skip if: You want traditional dairy-driven Italian, extremely quiet dining, or large-group seating flexibility—other Italian restaurants may suit those needs better.
Hours
Monday4pm - 10pm
Tuesday12pm - 10pm
Wednesday12pm - 10pm
Thursday12pm - 10pm
Friday12pm - 11pm
Saturday11am - 11pm
Sunday11am - 10pm